Tagged: casey kotchman

Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times has recently said that the Mariners have about $10M to use while continuing to improve their team this off-season. Given their chance to win, I wouldn’t be surprised to see ownership allow a slight increase over last year’s payroll. GM Jack Zduriencik’s exciting off-season has already transformed the team from one that could contend, to a team that is favored by many to win the AL West. And that is a definite possibility. Here’s a trio of players that could be brought in for a combined $10M in 2010:

Xavier Nady 1B/OF: Nady was only able to play in 7 games for the New York Yankees in 2009. However, the year before that, Nady played in 148 games and hit 25 home runs. If there is one thing the Mariners are currently lacking, it is power. After deciding to part ways with Russell Branyan, the team brought in defensive-minded first baseman Casey Kotchman. Nady, a righty, could form a perfect platoon situation with Kotchman, a lefty. Nady can also get innings in left to spell Milton Bradley and at-bats as the DH to rest Ken Griffey Jr.

Joe Beimel RP: Beimel is the best un-signed lefty reliever and Seattle does not have a late inning south-paw in their bullpen. The Mariners could use a guy who has played on two playoff teams in two years. During each of those seasons, Beimel pitched in 71 games and in 2007 he appeared in 83 games. Not to mention an ERA that has been below 3.9 since 2005. This is a match that makes almost too much sense.

Yorvit Torrealba C: Torrealba lost his chance to return to the Rockies when the team signed Miguel Olivo to fill his role. Torrealba has spent the last two seasons splitting time with Chris Iannetta behind the plate. In Seattle he would have a similar situation with catching prospect Adam Moore. The Mets are now rumored to be targeting Torrealba but the Mariners would provide him a much better opportunity. Though both teams are in tough divisions, the Mariners will be better and are closer to winning. The Mets are built for now, but not to win now.

This is already a winning team and Jack Zduriencik can make $10M go a long way. These three moves could all be had for rather in-expensive contracts and the team would be wise to give all three an option for 2011 as well.

Do you agree with these ideas? What other moves make sense for the M’s given the remaining monetary funds?